Fertility and IVF support
Fertility is not only about a hormone result or a single procedure. Successful implantation depends on timing, uterine receptivity, blood flow, inflammation control, immune tolerance, and nervous system stability. The goal is to optimise the environment so conception or transfer has the best chance to take hold and stay.
What can block successful implantation
Implantation is a short window where the embryo and the uterine lining need to coordinate precisely. Problems usually happen when the lining is not receptive, blood flow is suboptimal, inflammatory signalling is high, or immune tolerance is reduced. Stress physiology can amplify all of these. I treat the dominant driver first, then build the environment in the right sequence.
Uterine receptivity and timing
The lining needs the right thickness, structure, and timing. If timing is off, even a good embryo can fail to attach. Cycle irregularity, luteal phase weakness, and hormone signalling instability often sit underneath this.
Inflammation and immune activation
Some bodies run “too hot” immunologically. Autoimmune tendencies, chronic inflammation, gut inflammation, thyroid autoimmunity, endometriosis, or persistent infections can reduce tolerance and create a hostile implantation environment.
Blood flow and micro-circulation
The uterus is a highly vascular organ. If circulation is sluggish, cramping is strong, clots are present, or pelvic congestion exists, the lining environment can be less stable. Improving flow is often essential, but it must be timed correctly.
Stress physiology and nervous system tone
When the nervous system stays in threat mode, sleep lightens, digestion becomes reactive, and inflammatory signalling rises. This can disturb ovulation timing, progesterone support, and uterine receptivity. Regulation is not optional in fertility work.
Metabolic and hormone resistance
Insulin resistance, PCOS patterns, thyroid dysfunction, and chronic fatigue states can disrupt follicle development and endometrial response. Stabilising metabolism and energy rhythm often improves cycle reliability and reduces inflammatory load.
Structural and tissue factors
Fibroids, polyps, adhesions, pelvic inflammation, and endometriosis can interfere mechanically or biochemically. These cases need a coordinated plan with your gynaecologist and fertility team.
What I assess in the first visit
I look at the full fertility picture, not only “female hormones”. The aim is to find what is preventing stable implantation and early pregnancy support, then build a staged plan around your timing, your tests, and your IVF schedule if applicable.
Cycle and symptom mapping
- Cycle length, regularity, ovulation timing, and luteal phase stability.
- Bleeding pattern: heaviness, spotting, clots, colour, and pain.
- Cervical mucus patterns, temperature tracking (if used), and PMS intensity.
- History of miscarriage, failed transfer, or implantation failure timing.
- Pelvic pain, endometriosis indicators, and digestive inflammation signs.
Implantation environment checks
- Stress load, sleep depth, and nervous system “wired” symptoms.
- Immune and inflammation history: autoimmune diagnoses, allergies, chronic infections.
- Thyroid function context and symptoms (even when “borderline”).
- Metabolic pattern: insulin resistance signs, cravings, weight resistance, energy crashes.
- Tongue and pulse to confirm the underlying pattern.
How treatment is structured
Fertility work is sequence-sensitive. What you do before ovulation is not the same as what you do after ovulation, and IVF timing adds another layer. The plan aims to regulate first, improve the uterine environment second, and consolidate third, with careful timing around transfer.
Stage 1: Stabilise regulation
Improve sleep, calm stress physiology, reduce inflammatory drivers, and stabilise digestion and energy so the body becomes less reactive. This sets the foundation for improved hormonal rhythm and immune tolerance.
Stage 2: Build receptivity
Support follicle quality and lining response, improve pelvic circulation, and reduce implantation blockers. Timing is matched to your cycle phase or IVF protocol to avoid counterproductive stimulation.
Stage 3: Support holding
After ovulation or transfer, the focus shifts to stability: uterine calm, sleep depth, gentle immune tolerance support, and supporting early pregnancy environment without over-activating the system.